A force of roughly 1,500 troops would have faced difficult ground and exposed approaches on its way to Newcastle. Tynemouth is a possible landing point because some French information apparently treated the northern approach as weaker, though that reconstruction remains uncertain. A landing at South Shields would require a march through Jarrow and Hebburn, while North Shields would lead through Wallsend. Nearby communities would remain on the invaders' flanks and rear, and yeomanry cavalry around Durham could reinforce the defense. Landing near the Tyne would leave a small force with a demanding march before it could reach the city.
Notable Point · 1:27:48-1:31:53
Why 1,500 troops were unlikely to take Newcastle
Possible Tyne landings leave a small French force facing hilly ground, an inland march, exposed flanks, and nearby yeomanry.